Blake Lively's Career Crossroads: Met Gala Return Follows Justin Baldoni Legal Settlement

Just hours after the announcement that her 16-month legal dispute with Justin Baldoni had settled, Blake Lively made her first appearance at the Met Gala since 2022. While the actress smiled for the cameras, Hollywood insiders remain sharply divided on the direction of her career following the conclusion of the contentious lawsuit surrounding the making of It Ends With Us.

“I’m curious if the actual audience ever gave a s–t about this lawsuit,” a top talent agent told TheWrap. “But she’ll probably do something similar to the Baldoni movie — a film that targets the female audience.”

Earlier this week, both sides reached an undisclosed settlement, ending a dispute that began as a major controversy when Lively accused her director, producer, and co-star of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her. By the end, public interest in the increasingly messy saga had waned, and the settlement brought relief to many.

Judge Lewis J. Liman had previously dismissed 10 of the 13 claims in Lively’s explosive December 2024 complaint. Only allegations of breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation were allowed to proceed to trial.

“We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.”

The settlement concluded one of the most high-profile legal conflicts in recent Hollywood history, involving figures from Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds to megastar Taylor Swift, as well as numerous current and former Sony executives whose private text messages became public. The controversy ultimately tarnished both sides, with no party emerging unscathed.

Lively, who was poised for career growth with the success of It Ends With Us, saw her momentum stall after last year’s Another Simple Favor. She has not acted since. Representatives for Lively and Wayfarer did not respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.

Lively’s Next Move: Lay Low or Go Big?

Lively does have at least one project in development. Last August, TheWrap reported that Lionsgate acquired The Survival List, an action romantic comedy in which Lively will star and produce. Oscar-nominated producer Marc Platt (Wicked, How to Train Your Dragon) is in talks to produce the film, written by Tom Melia. The story follows a highbrow reality TV producer stranded with a faux survival expert while filming a new show.

The project remains in development, still seeking a director. Beyond this film, Lively has not announced any new projects, and insiders are split on whether she should retreat from the public eye or pursue high-profile roles.